2006 · 848 citations · 0 references
Curricular ActivitiesWork-integrated LearningHigher Education ProgramEducationEducational CredentialManagementCareer AdaptabilityHigher Education PolicyUniversity Student RetentionCareer EnhancementTechnical EducationEducational StatisticsHigher Education ManagementHigher EducationWorkforce DevelopmentSecondary EducationCareer EducationEducation PolicyEmployability
Employability is far more complex than the simplistic “core” or “transferable” skills narrative, is closely tied to academic learning, and the long‑standing debate on higher education’s economic role is challenged by recent sections. The paper argues that employability is a necessary but not sufficient set of achievements for employment and highlights its significant implications for higher‑education curricula. The authors define employability in sections four to six and propose that while employers seek multi‑competent graduates, certain employment skills can only be cultivated through work placements integrated into higher‑education programs.
This publication is intended to serve two purposes. First, it makes a case for employability as a set of achievements which constitute a necessary but not sufficient condition for the gaining of employment. Employability is, on the analysis presented here, considerably more complex than some proponents of ‘core’, ‘key’ and ‘transferable’ skills have suggested, and is strongly aligned with the academic valuing of good learning. The second purpose is consequential, in that this publication has considerable implications for curricular activities in higher education. The relationship between higher education and the economy has, for a long time, been a topic of debate, and the historical perspective is outlined in sections two and three. Sections four, five and six discuss the concept of employability, with a preferred definition being put forward in section five. Section seven suggests that, whilst employers might ask for multi-competent graduates, some aspects of employment-related capability can only be developed in the employment context: work placements of various kinds during a higher education program may however make a significant contribution. Sections eight and nine together constitute a challenge to simplistic thinking about skills.